The initial cost of a tablet is too high, making it impossible for many people to afford this helpful gadget, especially for low-income families. However, the federal government has programs that assist low-income families in obtaining free government phones and tablets for their communication needs. During the recent global pandemic, technology and communication have become an integral part of our lives, necessitating the need to have digital devices.
Moreover, most things are done online, such as learning, shopping, booking appointments, job applications, and remote work. For this reason, you need a seamless internet connection and devices such as mobile phones and tablets. The U.S. Federal government gives such devices free plus monthly internet discounts to qualified households. In this case, you are only required to prove eligibility and apply for free government phones and tablets through your preferred wireless provider.
On the other hand, some non-governmental and charitable organizations offer low-income households and eligible students digital devices. To be eligible for a free tablet and phone from the government’s programs, you will need to apply initially, have the relevant documentation and attain all the eligibility requirements. If you qualify for Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program, you can take home a free tablet or a cell phone.
Importance Of Phone And Tablet
In today’s age, technology plays a pretty significant role than ever before. You used to depend on daily electronic devices to keep connected to the world whether you intended to use them for personal use or at your place of work. Nowadays, smartphone and tablets have become essential gadgets for each and every one. You can find some dissimilarities between smartphones and tablets despite both devices looking almost identical.
Depending on the top activities, you can find the importance of both smartphones and tablets in the following portion.
In case of smartphone
- Reading news and entertainment
- Searching for information
- Accessing local information
- Finding local services
- Participating on social media or networking sites
In case of tablet
- Reading news and entertainment
- Information searching
- Accessing local information
- Watching videos
- Participating on social media or networking sites
Free Phones and Tablets for Low-Income Families
Generally, Lifeline providers give but do not provide free tablets. However, Lifeline customers can get a free tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), through which all Lifeline members automatically qualify.
Moreover, you must meet Lifeline-eligibility requirements to become a Lifeline subscriber and get a free phone through Lifeline or a free tablet via the ACP. To qualify, a household member must attain at least one of the following eligibility criteria.
1. Lifeline
a) Income-Based Eligibility
According to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you qualify for Lifeline if your gross annual household income is 135% or below. However, the guideline depends on the household size and the state.
b) Program-Based Eligibility
You qualify for Lifeline if you or any household member participate in one of the below qualifying government-aided programs.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- SNAP, previously Food Stamps
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Additionally, you are Lifeline-eligible if you or any household member participate in one of the following Tribal assistance programs.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
- Head Start (only households with the income qualifying standard)
Lifeline Program Offer To Eligible Households
Lifeline is a program that helps make communication services cheaper for low-income households. However, it offers eligible subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly internet, telephone, or bundled voice-broadband packages. These discounts are obtained from participating wireless providers.
Moreover, Lifeline offers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for qualified non-Tribal families or $34.25 for eligible subscribers on qualifying Tribal lands for either wireless or wireline service. Fortunately, some participating Lifeline providers also give a free or discounted government phone.
2. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Lifeline-eligible customers automatically qualify to participate in the ACP. However, other requirements make a household ACP eligible and, therefore, receive a free phone and tablet depending on availability.
a) Income-Based Eligibility
A household member qualifies for ACP-eligible if your annual household income is 200% or below the Federal Poverty Threshold. Notably, the income eligibility requirements depend on the state and the household size.
b) Program-Based Eligibility
A household member qualifies for ACP if they participate in Lifeline or any qualifying government/Tribal sponsored programs under the Lifeline program eligibility. Besides, a household is also ACP-eligible if any of its members:
- Recipient of the WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
- Obtained a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Participate in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
ACP Offer To Eligible Households
ACP providers avail of two types of benefits. One on monthly service and the second on connected devices. Besides, all ACP providers give a discount on monthly broadband internet of up to $30 and $75 for eligible households residing on qualifying Tribal lands.
However, some ACP providers also provide a one-time discount of up to $100 per eligible household to purchase a device, such as a laptop, a tablet, or a desktop computer. To receive this discount and device, the qualified customer must pay a co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50.
Additionally, you must identify an ACP provider in your state that provides discounts on connected devices. To search for a suitable provider, proceed to FCC Affordable Connectivity Program providers, tap on your state of residence, and choose a provider with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices.’
Application For Free Government Phone And Tablet
Most Lifeline free phone and tablet providers also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers free tablets with food stamps and provide a simple online application process. However, applying for a Lifeline free tablet and phone through Lifeline and ACP follows the below steps:
- Ensure you are Lifeline-eligible. Being Lifeline-eligible automatically qualifies you for ACP so you can apply for a free tablet.
- Identify an ACP provider that provides a free phone or tablet for Lifeline subscribers in your state of residence. You can check the state’s complete list of all ACP providers at fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers.
Notably, not all ACP providers that give connected devices discounts offer tablets. Some provide laptops, desktops, or even smartphones through the Lifeline program. - Gather the relevant documents that prove your eligibility and verify your identity, age, and address during the application process.
- Proceed to the selected provider’s official website and get their online application form. Compete by providing all the necessary personal information and documentation. Send the application.
- Wait for approval. If approved, you will get a confirmation email within a couple of days. The broadband discount will probably get applied to your next bill, and expect to get your ACP/Lifeline free tablet, phone, or another connected device within 7 to 10 days, based on your location and availability.
Apply For Free Phone and Tablet
Best Providers of Free Government Phone and Tablet
1) Qlink Wireless
Qlink Wireless is among the best lifeline providers and the fastest-growing tech companies in the United States. The company offers low-income households free tablets, monthly data, and unlimited calling and texting. Additionally, Qlink Wireless packs over 8 different brands of free tablets that are available with the free government tablet program.
Apart from getting a free tablet or phone, Qlink Wireless offers an Always-On Plan that provides free cellphone plans with 3-Gig internet data, 1000 talk-time minutes, and Unlimited messaging.
You can get a $100 as a device discount through the Affordable Connectivity Program. However, eligible people pay $10.01 for the co-payment to receive the new tablet for free.
2) AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is a government initiative service provider offering free government phone and tablet to qualified low-income consumers in the United States. This provider is designed with the motive to help these types of individuals through Lifeline and ACP program to stay connected with their family & friends.
This no-contract provider offers three individual plans for consumers – ACP Plan, Lifeline Plan and Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan. The ACP Plan offers eligible consumers 8GB data, unlimited talk and SMS with a free basic smartphone. The Lifeline Plan offers eligible consumers 4.5GB data, 1000 minutes talk and unlimited SMS with a free SIM. On Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan, the eligible consumers will receive 15GB high-speed data, unlimited talk and unlimited text & picture messaging with free iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 7, Galaxy S8 and more.
Besides, you can get free government tablets from AirTalk Wireless featuring a touchscreen display of 7-inch and internal storage of 16GB. By being a low-income consumer or participating in a government aid program, you can be eligible.
3) Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is another Lifeline and ACP provider that provides free government tablets. Notably, this carrier is one of the few Lifeline providers that gives free Android smartphones and iPhones. To apply, follow the following simple steps:
- Ensure you are Lifeline and ACP-eligible. Besides, ensure that you are a resident of one of the states where the company provides its services and government assistance program.
- Proceed to apply.cintexwireless.com and input your ZIP code and email address in the empty boxes. Then, tap ‘Apply Now’.
- You will get redirected to the company’s online application form. Complete it by submitting all the necessary personal information and supporting documentation.
- Send your online application. If approved, you will get notified in a matter of days. You will also get your ACP/Lifeline free tablet within 7 to 10 days based on availability.
4) StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless provides both ACP and Lifeline free tablets and phones. Through this carrier, qualified customers can access unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 10GB of data. Additionally, ACP allows qualified consumers to get a discount of $100 on purchasing a tablet, desktop computer, or laptop.
However, to get a free tablet from StandUp Wireless, you will have to give a co-pay of at least $10.01. This offer is unavailable in all states, so you should confirm with your state to check if you qualify. To begin the application process, proceed to standupwireless.com, enter your zip code and email address, and tap “Begin Application.”
On the screen, you will find the rate plans available in your area. If you don’t check the “Affordable Connectivity Program” as an available option, tap “See our other options,” The ACP program should be available if StandUp Wireless offers service in your area.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Provider
There are a number of providers in the list of offering free government phone and tablet. Some are best for providing free phones, where others are best in the section of free tablets. Whatever you choose, you need to always consider a few things depending on the service provider. Things you should consider before choosing a provider are –
- Coverage: Ensure the provider has a record of good coverage service in your location.
- Plan Selection: There may have various features of plan in each provider, like additional fees or data limits. Look for each plan’s details and select a plan which suits your needs and budget.
- Device Options: There may be limited choices of phones or tablets in some providers, where others may provide a wider variation of devices. Choose the devices that are available and they fulfill your demands.
- Customer Service: Thinking about the level of customer service as well as assistance is also essential. Also, check the provider’s ratings and reviews from other customers.
Free Government Phones and Tablets You Can Receive
Free phones and tablets provided by the government rely on the state, provider/organization and availability. The consumers don’t have the right here to choose which phone or tablet they will receive under the Lifeline or ACP program. Nevertheless, free phones and tablets that government provides are in good condition and have basic specifications.
Free Phones
Those consumers who become eligible for a free or discounted smartphone will receive available models depending on the provider. Whatever, a majority number of providers offer smartphones of mid-range like Samsung Galaxy A10e, Motorola Moto E6, LG Stylo 5 and Alcatel TCL A1. These Android devices offer standard features, including reasonable processor, decent camera and enough internal storage capacity.
There are also some providers offering discounted Apple iPhones. These providers typically offer older models like iPhone 6s or 7. You may not get the latest software updates and features from these devices, but still they have basic functionality of smartphones.
Free Tablets
You will find some service providers offering free government tablets through ACP program. Depending on some sources, the free tablets from government comprise some models from Microsoft, Lenovo, Apple, Samsung, LG, Google and Alcatel. The free available tablets on the market are mentioned in the following list.
- Microsoft Surface Go 2
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus
- Apple iPad 2020 (8th generation)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- LG G Pad 5 – 4GB LTE Unlocked
- Google Chromebook
- Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021
- Alcatel Joy Tab
Final Verdict
The provision of free government phones and tablets can significantly help those in need. It can enable individuals to access a wider variety of resources and services, stay connected with loved ones and even provide opportunities for education and employment. Overall, receiving a free government phone and tablet can be a valuable asset and it’s worth exploring the options available to find the best fit for your requirements.
